How Much Does Oil Pan Replacement Cost?

Over time, the oil pan in your car may have to be replaced due to the bumps in the road, debris flinging up, and the deep dips in the road. While an oil pan can be replaced by an amateur, it is often recommend that it be left up to the mechanics to ensure that the part is replaced properly. The cost of a new oil pan is going to depend upon the brand, the mechanic performing the job, the make and model of the car, and other factors.

How much does an oil pan replacement cost?

On average, an oil pan replacement is going to cost anywhere from $300 to as much as $600 at a local mechanic shop.

If the hole in the oil pan is small enough, some mechanics may skip the entire replacement process and will weld the hole instead. This procedure is generally done to newer pans that show no sign of heavy wear or tear or even rust.

For those that want to do the oil pan replacement themselves, the average parts can cost anywhere from $50 to $375. The price will greatly vary depending on the make and model of the car. Oil pans can get expensive for higher-end car models.

In a forum thread on VolvoForums.com, a user claimed that they received an invoice for less than $600 to have the complete oil pan replaced.

JeepForum.com also has a thread discussing the cost of an oil pan. They claim that it costs anywhere from $300 to $500 to get the job done. Many others in the forum agreed that this was a fair price.

What are the extra costs?

After the oil pan has been replaced, the mechanic will more than likely want to perform an oil change. This oil change should cost no more than $30. Some will include this oil change in the quote while others can charge extra.

If any other problems are spotted with the oil pan or the parts surrounding it during the examination, additional fees may apply for the parts if the mechanic has to order them.

What is going to be included?

Replacing an oil pan is relatively simple and should take no longer than an hour. Unscrewing the older oil pan, the new one will simply replace the older one. The mechanic will ensure that the new oil pan is free and clear of dings, dents and any defects. Before the oil pan is applied, a sealer will be placed in order to ensure that no leaks can occur.

Tips to know:

A damaged oil pan can cause some serious engine problems. If an expert claims that you need to have the oil pan replaced, it is best that you get it fixed as soon as you can. One slight hole even the size of a pin can cause more problems than you think.

How can I save money?

If the car is under warranty, make sure that you take it to a local dealer. There are times where the pan has been dented due to a factory default. If this is the case, the pan can be replaced for free.

If the car is not under warranty, consider talking with a few local shops. Many dealerships are often too expensive. Talk and compare at least three to five different shops to see what kind of quotes that you can get.

Ask around to friends and neighbors to see if anyone has experience performing this repair. If you are able to avoid a mechanic shop, you can save a lot of money.